Big game hunter unveils new guide book

Slide show, book signing scheduled by author on Wednesday

When hunting guide Larry Bartlett got his book "A Complete Guide to Float Hunting Alaska" back from the printer, he threw it in the water.

"I submerged it in water for 24 hours, pulled it out and dried it and I'm still using that copy," the Fairbanks author said. "I'm really putting it to the test."

Bartlett will be showing slides of his successful hunts, signing copies of "A Complete Guide to Float Hunting Alaska" and talking about float hunting from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hearthside Books in Nugget Mall.

Bartlett, 29, grew up hunting in Texas and moved to Alaska six years ago. He's a licensed practical nurse as well as a professional river guide and hunting guide.

"I've hunted statewide. The book covers everything across the state except for the islands," he said. "So it's for those interested in hunting away from the (Southeast) area."

He said the 200-page book focuses on hunting moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and grizzly and black bear. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to plan and implement a hunt, proper clothing and gear, float-hunting techniques, reading rivers, field care of game, a guide to Alaskan air charters, maps of game management units and contacts for land managers and game biologists throughout the state.

He did not name specific rivers to hunt. He said he's learned that can subject an area to intense hunting pressure, greater than the area can stand.

Bartlett published the book himself. He's said he's made his money back and is satisfied he was able to provide hunters with a useful outdoor field guide.

"We went overboard with the glue and the paper thickness and all," he said. "It's not a book you leave home on a shelf."